Need help finding something?

Indiana, RFRA and Why It’s Partially My Fault

I have never written anything like this. Normally it’s all rainbow pancakes, fashion tips for women and new recipes to try out at dinner. But I’ve never felt like this.

I’ve never felt ashamed of my home. Embarrassed. And sad. Until this past week.

And I’m partially to blame.

Now, don’t think I have a crazy ego or that I have some sort of power over the government. I don’t.

But I will admit that I didn’t vote. I said that I didn’t know enough about the canidates to make a decision.

Baloney. I could have found out. I could have put in the effort. And I didn’t. And I now regret it.

For me, personally, the biggest problem of the RFRA has nothing to do with what is in it or what isn’t in it. It’s over the fact that majority of people seem to be very much against it. But yet, the leaders who we chose to represent us voted it saying that it is something we would want.

And perhaps the people in office voted just the way that the people who voted them into office wanted them to. And if that’s the case, well, where was everyone else on election day? Why weren’t we voting someone into office that adequately represented our views?

I’m embarrassed because I feel like this bill does not reflect not only myself, but so many Hoosiers. I’m ashamed that it’s giving my home a reputation. And I’m sad because I feel as though it is lying about my faith.

My God would never say no to anyone. He wouldn’t turn someone away because of sin. He gave up everything for us so that we could gain everything in Heaven.

If a company doesn’t want to do business with someone because they’re gay due to religious beliefs, then I am not worthy to do business there either. I’m getting divorced. I had my son when I was young and unmarried. I’ve gotten angry and said things I don’t mean. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve done things that were wrong and not proud of. The hardest part for me in growing in my faith has been accepting that even though I’m not perfect and even though I am in no way worthy of it, God loves me anyway. He forgives me. He understands. He will never hold it against me. And while I may not think I’m worthy of it, God finds me worthy enough. I’ve been saved with the most amazing and compassionate grace. My God loves.

One thing that God calls us to do is show others our faith through our actions and to help bring others to God. I am so sad that I feel like this bill does the complete opposite. For those people who haven’t had the chance to have a relationship with the Lord, I sadly believe that things like this push them further away. They think that God doesn’t love all. And it’s the furthest thing from the truth.

I really hope and pray that Indiana lawmakers make this right. Our state has so much to be proud of. So much good. So many amazing people.

This RFRA doesn’t define our state. It does not define the Hoosiers who live here. And please know that it even though it is called a Religious Freedom bill, it doesn’t represent many people’s religion either.

You better believe that from here on out this woman will be educating herself on the candidates in office. She will be in line to vote. It’s time to take back our offices, get educated and put people in charge who will do their job correctly. They aren’t (well, they shouldn’t be) there to serve their own personal agenda. They should be able to say I made a mistake. They should put the views of their district, state, and/or country ahead of their own. They aren’t there to vote for themselves. They are there to make decisions for the people. Decisions that the people would make if they were able to be there themselves. The people we elect into office are called representatives for a reason – they should be representing us, our ideas and our vision.

And while I’m so sad and disappointed with the leaders of Indiana, I will still be here telling the world that I think Hoosiers are amazing people. That Indiana is a great place to live with some of the coolest shops, businesses and attractions. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover and so I just ask you that you don’t judge a state by a group of officials.

Hopefully if one positive thing comes from this mess (and yes, it’s a mess!) is that people like me recognize the significance on why we need to be out there voting!